E. Guidelines and Supports for Humane Treatment of Animals
Animals:
Attention: Many districts have established guidlines for the introduction and maintanance of animals in the class. Be sure to ask for and be familiar with these guidlines before proceeding. Planning guide: http://www.njabr.org/programs/ask/guide/
Before using animals, teachers should establish guidelines, this will:
avoid any intentional or unintentional abuse, mistreatment, or neglect
Whenever animals are to be used in science activities with students, it is imperative that care be exercised to protect both the animals and the students. If animals are to be kept for any time in the room in cages, be certain that adequately sized and clean cages are provided to all animals. Keep cages locked and in safe, comfortable settings.
Caution: because increased activity and sudden movements can make animals feel threatened, ALL student contact with animals should be highly organized and supervised.
Teachers should keep the following precautions in mind to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience for their students.
• Inquire beforehand about student allergies associated with animals. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20275
• Allow students to handle/touch animals only after proper directions and demonstrations have been given: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/handling.html
• Have students use gloves while handling vertebrates and appropriate invertebrates and wash hands afterward.
• Report to the principal and school nurse immediately any animal bites or scratches.
• Have a veterinarian evaluate all animals that die unexpectedly.
• Never dispose of fecal matter in sinks or with commonly used equipment.
• Never use wild animals. Obtain classroom animals from reputable pet suppliers.
• Never use poisonous animals in the classroom.
• Never allow students to tease animals or touch animals to their mouths.
• Appropriate daily care must be provided for: **http://www.wildlifepetcare.com/**
• No experiments on animals that can cause pain or discomfort or interfere with an animal's health or well being.
Provide fact sheets to the students on the specific species.
Keep animals locked in a cage in a safe location.
Teach students how to interact with the animal.
No sudden movements.
Act calm.
Keep animal for 7-10 days to acclimate to the environment.
If the animal gets loose, create a small enclosed area to recapture the animal.
Make sure that you have the appropriate temperature and lighting for the animals.
Do not put animals near any chemicals.
Make sure that the animals have the appropriate amount of food and water.
Plants:
Teachers should familiarize themselves thoroughly with any plants they plan to use in the classroom.
• Inquire beforehand about student allergies associated with plants.
• Never use poisonous or allergy-causing plants in the classroom.
• Never burn plants that might contain allergy causing oils, e.g., poison ivy.
• Make a clear distinction between edible and non-edible plants.
• Never allow plants to be tasted without clear direction from the teacher.
• Have students use gloves while handling plants and wash hands afterward.
Appropriately water plants.
Do not touch plants that you do not know what they are.
Animals:
Attention: Many districts have established guidlines for the introduction and maintanance of animals in the class. Be sure to ask for and be familiar with these guidlines before proceeding.
Planning guide: http://www.njabr.org/programs/ask/guide/
Before using animals, teachers should establish guidelines, this will:
Whenever animals are to be used in science activities with students, it is imperative that care be exercised to protect both the animals and the students. If animals are to be kept for any time in the room in cages, be certain that adequately sized and clean cages are provided to all animals. Keep cages locked and in safe, comfortable settings.
Caution: because increased activity and sudden movements can make animals feel threatened, ALL student contact with animals should be highly organized and supervised.
Teachers should keep the following precautions in mind to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience for their students.
• Inquire beforehand about student allergies associated with animals. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20275
• Allow students to handle/touch animals only after proper directions and demonstrations have been given: http://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/handling.html
• Have students use gloves while handling vertebrates and appropriate invertebrates and wash hands afterward.
• Report to the principal and school nurse immediately any animal bites or scratches.
• Have a veterinarian evaluate all animals that die unexpectedly.
• Never dispose of fecal matter in sinks or with commonly used equipment.
• Never use wild animals. Obtain classroom animals from reputable pet suppliers.
• Never use poisonous animals in the classroom.
• Never allow students to tease animals or touch animals to their mouths.
• Appropriate daily care must be provided for: **http://www.wildlifepetcare.com/**
• No experiments on animals that can cause pain or discomfort or interfere with an animal's health or well being.
Plants:
Teachers should familiarize themselves thoroughly with any plants they plan to use in the classroom.
• Inquire beforehand about student allergies associated with plants.
• Never use poisonous or allergy-causing plants in the classroom.
• Never burn plants that might contain allergy causing oils, e.g., poison ivy.
• Make a clear distinction between edible and non-edible plants.
• Never allow plants to be tasted without clear direction from the teacher.
• Have students use gloves while handling plants and wash hands afterward.